MODEL
Tesla Model S Later Release Safety
NHTSA safety across every Tesla Model S Later Release model year we cover.
Across the 1 model year of the Tesla Model S Later Release we cover (2023 to 2023), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2023 at 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index. No recalls are on record across those years.
The Tesla Model S is a full-size electric luxury sedan that has long positioned itself at the top of the EV performance hierarchy. Aimed at tech-forward buyers who want premium refinement alongside serious range and acceleration, the 2023 Model S competes against the best from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. It is a flagship product in every sense, and its safety profile deserves the same scrutiny as its headline performance numbers.
A perfect NHTSA Safety Index of 100 out of 100 places the 2023 Tesla Model S in the Exceptional band, the strongest rating our federal data awards. This score reflects an absence of recalls and owner complaints on file, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths attributed to the vehicle in the dataset. Rollover resistance achieves a full 5 out of 5 stars, a result consistent with the structural advantage of a low, floor-mounted battery pack. However, frontal and side crash-test star ratings are listed as not rated in the data. While the complaint data reflects unverified consumer allegations and a zero count can reflect low reporting volume, the overall safety picture for the 2023 Model S is strong, yet the lack of complete frontal and side star ratings means a full crash-test assessment remains incomplete.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Tesla Model S as one of the most accomplished luxury sedans available, praising its blistering performance, long electric range, and over-the-air software capability. Most acknowledge that the infotainment-heavy interior requires adjustment and that build quality consistency has historically drawn mixed reactions, but the overall verdict tends to be strongly favorable for buyers prioritizing technology and driving dynamics.
- The 2023 Model S earns a perfect NHTSA Safety Index of 100 out of 100, the highest possible score in the Exceptional band, making it one of the top-rated vehicles in our federal dataset.
- Rollover protection is rated 5 out of 5 stars, aided by the structural benefit of a low center of gravity created by the floor-mounted battery pack common to all Model S vehicles.
- Frontal and side crash-test star ratings are listed as not rated in the data we cover for this model year, so shoppers should consult NHTSA and IIHS directly to confirm whether additional independent crash testing is available.
- There are zero recalls and zero owner complaints on record for the 2023 Model S in our dataset, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. While encouraging, a low complaint count on a lower-volume luxury vehicle should be read with that context in mind.